Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cass Stone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Cass thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success, to me, is defined by living a fulfilling life surrounded by loved ones and utilizing my talents to make a positive impact on others.

Over the years, my journey in photography has not only taken me to various places but has also imparted invaluable life lessons that have become the foundation of my core values. I firmly believe that the quality of our lives is greatly influenced by the quality of our relationships. In business, having the right individuals in key roles is essential, and nurturing those connections is paramount.

As I reflect on the past 13 years of owning my business, I have come to realize that the people you surround yourself with plays a pivotal role in your success. At C.Mae Photography, I am fortunate to work alongside incredibly talented and genuine individuals who continuously inspire me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Cass Stone, the owner and photographer behind C.Mae Photography.

At C.Mae Photography, we are more than just a photography team; we are a passionate group of artists dedicated to capturing customized romantic and emotional art. With over a decade of experience in photography and the wedding industry, our team has successfully documented over 600 weddings in 3 different countries, earning us over 100 five-star reviews on Google.

What sets us apart from the rest? We are proud recipients of The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” hall of fame award and have been recognized by Wisconsin Bride as the BEST OF 2024 for boudoir photography. Our work has been featured in prestigious publications such as the New York Post, Good Morning America, and Wisconsin Bride Magazine.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our personalized approach to photography. Each team member embodies our values, work ethic, and aesthetic, ensuring that your wedding photography experience is tailored to preserve your most memorable moments with honesty and authenticity.

One of the most empowering services we offer is boudoir photography, where clients experience a creative and confidence-boosting photoshoot tailored to their individuality. Our wedding photography services are equally exceptional, with a team of specialists customizing coverage to each client’s unique needs and offering two distinct editing styles.

Based in Lake Geneva, WI, we offer a wide range of photography services, including wedding, engagement, boudoir, family, maternity, newborn, and event photography. Additionally, we provide wedding videography, content creation, and luxury photo albums, with the flexibility to cater to destination weddings and portrait sessions nationwide and internationally.

Our team takes immense pride in delivering exceptional service to our clients, ensuring that every moment is captured with a professional eye and a personalized touch.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I wanted to take a moment to share a personal story from our journey that I believe truly embodies the essence of resilience and growth.

Back in 2012, I embarked on the incredible adventure of starting C.Mae Photography with just one camera and a vision. It was a humble beginning, with only myself and a dedicated photo assistant by my side. As the years went by, our business began to flourish. We went from capturing 8 weddings in 2013 to an impressive 50 weddings in 2017, all while also offering services to include family sessions, headshots, boudoir, and portraits.

However, with growth came challenges. The demands of running a successful photography business took a toll on my health and well-being. It became clear that I needed to make a change. In 2016, I made the bold decision to build a team, and we quickly expanded to include 10 talented photographers, two full-time editors, and an office admin. We even opened a studio to better serve our clients.

Despite our success, adversity struck in 2017 when our studio flooded, resulting in a total loss. It was a setback that forced me to reevaluate and rewrite our business plan. But true to our resilient spirit, we persevered and continued to adapt and evolve.

Fast forward to 2021, where I found myself in Hawaii, recognized as one of the top 10 boudoir photographers in Honolulu. However, life had other plans, and a trip back to the midwest led me to prioritize stability and family over my “dream life” on the island.

In 2023, I took a leap of faith and opened a studio in Milwaukee, only to make the difficult decision to close it six months later. Through all the ups and downs, one thing remained constant – the need to constantly reinvent and redefine our business to better serve our team and clients.

I’ve learned that success is not a straight path but a winding journey filled with twists and turns. It’s about embracing change, being open to new possibilities, and moving forward with compassion and love.

As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the photography industry, I am grateful for our incredible team and supportive clients who have been with us through it all.

Any advice for managing a team?

As we navigate the challenges of managing a team and fostering high morale, I wanted to share some insights that have proven valuable in our own small business journey.

One key aspect that we have found essential is ensuring that we have the right people in the right roles. Understanding the unique talents and passions of each team member is crucial. By nurturing them in their respective roles and providing the necessary tools for success, we create a supportive environment where each team member can thrive.

It’s also important to recognize and appreciate the individual preferences of team members. Whether it’s words of affirmation or thoughtful gifts, taking the time to understand their “love language” can make a significant difference in their motivation and engagement.

Building strong, supportive relationships with each team member is equally important. By fostering open and honest communication, we can address any challenges or concerns proactively and ensure that everyone feels valued and heard.

Lastly, when it becomes clear that a team member is not the right fit, it’s essential to address the situation with honesty and compassion. Making the difficult decision to part ways swiftly can ultimately benefit both the individual and the team as a whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cmaephoto.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmaephoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmaephoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-m-stone-042aa145/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cmaephoto
• Other: Boudoir website:
  www.cmaeboudoir.com

  Boudoir Instagram:
  www.instagram.com/cmaeboudoir

  Tiktok:
  www.tiktok.com/@cmaephoto

  Pinterest:
  www.pinterest.com/cmaephoto

Image Credits

Photo Credit: C.Mae Photography